House Bill 1563 is expected toreceive its third and final reading on the floor of the Indiana Senate.Sponsored by state Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57) and state SenatorsCarlin Yoder (R-12) and Richard Young (D-47), HB 1563 would repeal Indiana’scurrent prohibition on the use of a suppressor while hunting. In addition tothis pro-hunting provision, an amendment was introduced last week in the SenateAgriculture and Natural Resources Committee by state Senator Jim Tomes (R-49)that would strengthen Indiana’s shooting range protection law. Pleasecontact yourstate Senator IMMEDIATELY and respectfully urge him or her to support HB 1563.
Currently, more than half of the states allow hunters to use suppressors whilehunting. There are numerous benefits to hunting with suppressed firearms,including:
- Increased use of suppressors will help to eliminate noise complaints that are frequently an excuse to close hunting lands throughout the country. This will protect hunting areas well into the future.
- Using a suppressor while hunting will reduce recoil and muzzle rise to help increase the accuracy of hunters. More accurate shooting in the field means fewer wounded and lost animals--a good thing for hunters and wildlife.
- While suppressors do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, they do reduce the muzzle report in a manner similar to the way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a vehicle. Suppressors simply help to protect against hearing loss.
Recently, Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming adopted new rules allowing forthe use of suppressors when hunting game. It’s time that hunters in Indiana areable to enjoy the same opportunities available to sportsmen in more than halfof the country. For more information on hunting with suppressors,
